Safety is very important with any rocket. Rockets
are safe when everyone understands and abides by safe behavior.
Only plastic drink bottles should be used, and new bottles should
be used whenever possible. Bottles should be retired from use after
10-15 launches.

CAUTION: Children should be closely
supervised when they are using rockets. Even if they understand
and agree to the safety rules, there will be lapses in concentration
or judgment. Children cannot be made responsible for the safety
of others. A child may feel it is enough to tell a two-year old
to stay out of the way.

Launch Safety Instructions:

Select a
grassy field or athletic practice field that measures at least
30 meters in width. Place the launcher in the center of the field
and anchor it in place. (If it is a windy day, place the launcher
closer to the side of the field from which the wind is blowing
so that the rocket will drift onto the field as it descends.)

As you set
up your rocket on the launch pad, observers should stand back
several meters. It is recommended that you rope off the launch
site.

Do not point
your water rocket at another person, animal, or object. Water
rockets take off with a good deal of force from the air pressure
and weight from the water.

The team
member responsible for pumping air into the rocket should wear
eye protection. The bottle rocket should be pumped no higher than
about 50 pounds of pressure per square inch, but never above 90
psi. Before launching, consult the following table provided for
coaches in the Science Olympiads:

Table
of Distances for a Given Pressure

Pressure

Typical
Classroom Maximums

20
psi

26
meters

40
psi

51
meters

60
psi

77
meters

80
psi

102
meters

When pressurization
is complete, everyone should stand in back of the roped off area
for the countdown. Two-liter bottles can weaken and will explode.
Bottles should be retired from use after 10-15 launches.

Continue
to countdown and launch the rocket only when the recovery range
is clear.

If you do
not experience successful liftoff, remember that the bottle is
pressurized and may blast off when you touch it. Be careful; do
not let it hit you. Never stand over the
rocket.